The Department of Religion and Classics presents the fifth part of a seven part series: Conversations on Israel, Palestine, and the War in Gaza: Wendy Pearlman (Northwestern University) in conversation with Bethany Lacina (UR Political Science).
Livestream: TBA

For decades, commentators have asked why there is “no Palestinian Gandhi.” In doing so, they ignore how the Palestinian national movement has made extensive use of both armed and unarmed strategies across its more than century-long struggle for self-determination. In this presentation, Northwestern University political scientist Wendy Pearlman explores that history. The talk will provide a primer on the long evolution of Palestinian mobilization, with a focus on variation in forms of protest, shifts in the organizational structure of the Palestinian struggle, and the connection between the two. The talk will situate pressing current events in a broader historical context, offering insight for understanding both the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in general and larger dynamics of protest and mobilization far beyond the Palestinian case.

Wendy Pearlman is the Jane Long Professor of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University. She is the author of six books on the Middle East, including Violence, Nonviolence, and the Palestinian National Movement (Cambridge, 2011). Her three books on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are informed by her experiences living in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Her three books on Syria are based on interviews with hundreds of displaced Syrians around the world about their experiences of revolution, war, and displacement.

This year-long speaker series is designed to foster intellectual growth and enrich the campus community, particularly in the wake of last year's campus conflicts regarding Israel and Palestine. Recognizing the need for more open dialogue and a deeper understanding of complex issues, we seek to create a space for respectful discussion, critical thinking, and a broadening of perspectives. These topics, often deeply personal and emotionally charged, can be difficult to navigate, but the series aims to provide a platform for exploring them with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to informed discourse. By inviting renowned experts from various fields we hope to stimulate thought-provoking conversations, challenge prevailing perspectives, and elevate the overall level of discourse on campus.

A reception will follow the event.  Parking passes are available for Library Lot at the welcome kiosk at the main entrance to campus on Elmwood Avenue.

Sponsored by the Department of Religion & Classics and the Center for Jewish Studies.